Public Art Commission

Minutes of a Regular Public Art Commission Meeting August 12, 2020 A regular meeting of the Blue Springs Public Art Commission was held on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 3:30pm at the Fieldhouse. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Eleanor Frasier – Present Parks Dept. Staff: Justin Stuart Ramon Magee – Present City Council Liaison: Ron Fowler Susan Rew- Present Larry Randall - Absent Greta Hoener – Present Jeff Carpenter – Present via video Barbara Landes- Present A motion was made by Greta and seconded by Ramon to accept the Minutes of the March meeting; it passed unanimously. Ron Fowler, new City Council Liaison and Susan Rew, new Commission member were introduced. Public Art Commission Financial Report: The financial report was presented for review. Report on Activities of Public Art Intern, Cassie Brown: Cassie’s work involved development of a proposal for “Alleys Art” that would plan for partnership with Downtown Alive! and the art teachers/students of Blue Springs School District to paint murals on the sides of various downtown buildings. The art would encourage interest in the downtown area as well as showcase public art. She is also involved in creating an Excel file that has contact information of potential donors, interested citizens and supporters, and others who support the arts. Greta reported that Cassie presented the concept to Pam Buck, CEO of Downtown Alive! and there was great interest in the concept. Report on “Proposed Policy for Placement of Public Art on Private or Common Area Property” Ramon reported that he had developed the proposed policy with input from the City Attorney to describe the policy needed for business entities to apply for placing public art on a temporary or permanent basis. The policy will be provided to the City Council for approval in the near future. The motion for consideration of approval by PAC was made by Ramon and seconded by Barbara; motion was approved. Updates, Status, Information a.“Moving the Stars”—Spencer Schubert has indicated that the art is at the foundry and anticipates it will be available this fall, possibly October. b.“Wheels”—the Parks Staff moved the artwork to the Dillingham-Lewis House , a,k.a. the Blue Springs Historical Society, at 15th and Main. It is prominently placed in the front of the residence and very evident to travelers along the street. The artwork was purchased by Blue Springs Art League. Discussion was how to involve the donor in a future dedication but no decision was made. c.“Cultivate”—the Blue Springs School District has approved the placement of the artwork in front of James Lewis Elementary on Park Road. Parks staff will move the sculpture from its current location after the base has been provided by the school. Eleanor asked Barbara to join her for installation. Eleanor reviewed the new statement that was approved by the artist Timothy Jorgensen. Discussion was that PAC will need to arrange for donors for the artwork for the remaining money needed and to then have a dedication planned jointly with BSSD. PAC plans to invite the artist to attend. d.“Ascend”—Justin reported that the artist, Robert Barnum, has completed the sculpture and is ready to install but unable to travel until he recuperates from surgery. It is anticipated that this may occur in October but arrangements have not been made. Greta indicated that the artist said he would speak to students as well and we would need to contact art teachers to see if they are interested. Ramon reported that the City contracted with Kaw Valley Engineering for $2500 to determine the soil quality for placing the sculpture. Kaw Valley Engineering 1 then donated $2000 toward the project. Ramon made the motion that the remaining $500 be paid from the PAC account and that credit be given to the donor in the dedication document, seconded by Greta. Motion passed. e. “Fire, Earth and Water” needs to be installed at Adams Pointe Conference Center. Justin will arrange f. “Providence” will return to a site at the Howard Brown Public Safety Building. Chief Muenz will meet with Justin and Eleanor to discuss possible places. g. “Tapped”—Justin will ask Parks staff to recommend a tree to re-place the artwork h. Potential Plans for Celebration of 20th Anniversary of Public Art Commission. Eleanor will ask Miranda to arrange for a news release or other public information. Eleanor asked Ron to see if the City Council would announce this birthday event on September 8, recognizing that the City Council passed the resolution to establish the Public Art Commission on September 6, 2000. Update Report on “Public Art in Blue Springs” Book Susan explained how the Brainstormers had worked together to determine the book layout. There will be three phases of: layout, editing of individual pages, and final edit before it is ready for printing. She provided a look at potential layout, how the art will be positioned and described, with all art photos on the right side and the art title, artist information, artist statement and other information on the left side. Discussion was that we will need to continue to discuss how the pagination is done, and that there is a lot of information still outstanding that needs to be collected. Mobile App Platform for Audio Guide—cancelled due to time and technical problem—will re-schedule for September meeting. Other Business None Visitors/Public Comment: None As there was no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Susan and seconded by Ramon. Meeting was adjourned at 5:00pm ___________________________________ Eleanor Frasier, Chairman 2